Meet the IMA Staff With an average tenure of 15 years working at our school, we are very, very proud of our staff. They bring not only extraordinary expertise and educational background, but also remarkable dedication and compassion to their jobs every day.
Yolanda Sollitto Founder/Director of IMA Graduated from and was awarded her certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 1990. Teacher/director at various Montessori schools from 1990 – 1996. Director here at our Pasadena campus.
Yancy Martinez Assistant Director of Administration Has worked here at IMA since 2000. Graduated from and was awarded her certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2012.
Laurel Merrill Lead Teacher – Room 3 Has worked here at IMA since 2000. Graduated from and was awarded her certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2007.
Melissa Perez Lead Teacher – Room 5 (Toddlers) Daycare Supervisor Worked here at IMA since 2002. Graduated from and was awarded her assistant’s certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2014.
Ivy Tai Hsin-Yuan Lead Teacher – Room 2 Worked here at IMA since 2015. Graduated from and was awarded her certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2007.
Krystal Covarrubias Assistant Teacher – Room 3 Worked here at IMA since 2012. Graduated from and was awarded her assistant’s certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2014.
Cassie Hernandez Lead Teacher – Room 4 (Toddlers) Worked here at IMA since 2019. Graduated from and was awarded her assistant’s certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2014.
Kenia Cazares Lead Teacher – Room 1 Worked here at IMA since 2013. Graduated from and was awarded her certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2019.
Susie Ma Daycare Supervisor/School Manager Worked here at IMA since 2016. Graduated from San Jose State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Mariana Rivera Assistant Teacher – Room 5 & Daycare Worked here at IMA since 2017.
Isabella Sollitto Substitute – All rooms President of International Montessori Academy Foundation. Graduated from and was awarded her certification by the Association Montessori Internationale Institute in 2026. Worked here at IMA since 2021.
Cittlally Sarabia Assistant Teacher – All rooms Worked here at IMA since 2021.
Daniela Russo Daycare Staff Worked here at IMA since 2012
Lupita Flores Assistant Teacher – Room 1 Worked here at IMA since 2026
Jenny Zhou Assistant Teacher – Room 2 Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Currently completing certification from Association Montessori Internationale. Worked here at IMA since 2024
Maggie Cardenas Facilities & Housekeeping Worked here at IMA since 2020.
Lupe Bobadilla Facilities & Housekeeping Worked here at IMA since 2000.